Explained: How to get a federal election job

The upcoming federal election will provide employment opportunities for tens of thousands of Aussies. Here’s how to land a position and what you can earn.

The 2022 federal election will provide employment opportunities for around 100,000 Australians across the country, the Australian Electoral Commission has announced.

The poll date has not been set yet but the AEC has put the call out for those wanting to work over the election to register their interest, with various roles set to become available.

This year’s temporary workforce will be boosted to accommodate Covid-19 safety features, the commission said.

An electoral worker counts ballot papers. Picture: Alison Wynd

Describing the election roles as “a unique work experience”, the AEC is urging those who want to be in the running for work to register online at aec.gov.au/electionjobs.

Once submitted, the AEC will assess the prospective worker’s registration of interest and contact them if they are suitable for a role.

On-the-job training support will be provided for those who are successful.

A majority of those recruited to work during the upcoming election will be working in polling places on election day, the AEC said.

Others will be working before election day in early voting centres or outposted centres, which are temporary warehouse-like facilities.

Pre-poll officers help issue ballot papers to voters in pre-poll voting centres during the early voting period.

There are also positions available in the area of mobile polling, where teams visits facilities such as aged care, prisons and remote communities to help people vote when no other voting services are available or accessible.

A voters placing an early vote at a pre-polling booth. Picture: AAP

Workers are also needed after election day to help count votes, manage election materials and complete a range of administration tasks.

Staff members are normally needed during business hours but some roles might include extended hours and weekend work.

The primary job after election day the recounting of all ballot papers, with around 28 million papers to be counted after election day across the country.

The AEC said pay for the election jobs would range from $25.54 to $48.29 per hour, depending on the type of role.

Voters at the polling station at St Kilda Primary School in Melbourne. Picture: AAP

In a statement, the AEC said over 100,000 temporary election workers would be employed to “to help us deliver a safe and fair election”.

“Given the Covid-19 environment, we have had to increase our temporary election workforce from previous elections to accommodate for Covid safety measures that we will have in place. These include hygiene officers and queue controllers to help protect AEC workers and voters alike,” the statement said.

“These short-term employment opportunities are paid and no experience is needed. We provide all job training and support for a unique work experience in delivering a federal election.

“For those interested, you can register online at aec.gov.au/electionjobs and when the election has been called and we have a date, we will start getting in touch with people to secure positions.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as those who are culturally and linguistically diverse are encouraged to apply.”

HOW DO I APPLY FOR AN ELECTORAL TASKFORCE JOB?

People, can register their interest for a job online at aec.gov.au/electionjobs

WHEN WILL I START WORK?

The AEC will need polling officials from when the election is announced – typically five weeks before polling day. These roles help conduct early voting in each electorate and support mobile polling in places like aged care homes and in remote parts of Australia.

WHAT TIME DO I START WORK ON ELECTION DAY?

The day starts at 7am, when polling officials get a face-to-face briefing. After the briefing, polling officials finalise the set up of the polling place so that polling can begin at 8am. This includes things like setting up voting equipment.

HOW BUSY DOES IT GET?

Polling places tend to be busiest in the morning, although the whole day can be steady.

A small number of additional positions are available to help cover the busy period and breaks, and these are usually shifts of around five hours.

The size of polling places varies across Australia. Some large polling places take over 6,000 votes and employ around 16 people.

Smaller polling places such as those in rural and remote areas may take only 100 votes and have a few staff members.

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE VOTING HAS FINISHED?

After the poll closes at 6pm the main job is to count the House of Representatives and Senate ballot papers.

Training will be provided on how to do this. It includes removing ballots from ballot boxes, unfolding, sorting and counting.

The day usually ends at around 11pm when all votes are counted and the polling place is packed away, but this may vary depending on the polling place.

IS FOOD PROVIDED AND WHAT ABOUT BREAKS?

Staff take at least a 30-minute meal break after continuously working for five hours. Meal breaks are co-ordinated by the supervisor.

Food isn’t provided. Not all polling places are near shops so bring enough food and drinks to get you through the day.

WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION?

If you have special requirements or medical conditions, let your supervisor know before starting work so they can accommodate your needs.

Originally published as Explained: How to get a federal election job